Another month passed.
Life did not suddenly become easier, but it became clearer.
After breaking through to the third layer, Lu Haotian's treatment inside the clan improved—just a little. His monthly stipend returned to what it used to be: one Qi Condensation pill and ten silvers. It still wasn't much, especially for someone whose body demanded more food than usual, but combined with the silver he earned from the farm, it was enough to breathe more comfortably.
He planned carefully.
Early that morning, after finishing his pratice and qi circulation, Lu Haotian counted his money twice. He set aside a few silvers and wrapped them separately.
"Those are for later," he muttered.
His maid peeked over the table. "Young master, are those hidden treasures?"
He glanced at her. "Emergency money."
She nodded like she understood, even though she clearly didn't.
The rest of the silver went into a small cloth pouch.
"Come," he said. "We're going to the market."
Her eyes widened. "The family market?"
"Yes."
She immediately straightened up and fixed her clothes nervously. "I'll behave. I promise."
He almost laughed.
The Lu Family market was busy as always. Stalls lined the stone paths, filled with herbs, dried beast meat, tools, pills, and random scraps pulled from the mountains. Disciples walked about in groups, while servants hurried along carrying baskets.
Lu Haotian moved calmly, stopping when needed, asking prices carefully.
He bought bought beast meat. Not the best cuts, but still real demonic beast meat, thick with nutrients.
His maid stared at the pile. "Young master… can we finish all this?"
"We'll try."
Her face turned pale. "You eat like a monster."
"That's rude."
"But true," she replied.
He also bought rice, salt, oil, and a few cheap clothes. He did not waste silver. Every purchase was weighed in his mind.
When everything was tied together, he slung the bundle over his back.
"Are you tired?" he asked.
She shook her head quickly. "No!"
They started back toward the inner paths of the compound.
That was when voices rose behind them.
"Well, if it isn't Lu Haotian."
Lu Haotian stopped.
He recognized the voice immediately.
Lu Zhen.
He turned slowly.
Lu Zhen stood with three other boys around the same age, all wearing smug smiles. Lu Zhen himself was already at Body Tempering fifth layer, taller and broader than most.
His eyes flicked to the bundle on Lu Haotian's back.
"That's a lot of stuff," Lu Zhen said. "Did the clan suddenly start feeding trash better?"
One of the boys laughed.
Lu Haotian tightened his grip but did not speak.
"Oh?" Lu Zhen stepped closer. "Silent now? I heard you still work on the farm. Smells like dirt suits you."
His maid took a small step forward. "Y-you shouldn't talk like that."
Lu Zhen glanced at her and sneered. "Servants should keep their mouths shut."
Lu Haotian stepped in front of her immediately.
"Move," Lu Zhen said, his smile thinning. "You blocking the road now?"
"There's space," Lu Haotian replied calmly.
Lu Zhen's eyes narrowed. He shoved Lu Haotian's shoulder.
"You think third layer makes you something?"
Lu Haotian staggered half a step but stayed upright. His muscles tensed. He knew he couldn't win—not with numbers, not here.
Another boy kicked at the bundle, scattering some herbs onto the ground.
"Oops," he said mockingly.
Lu Haotian's breath quickened.
Then—
"Enough."
The single word cut through the tension.
A tall man stepped out from the side path, his presence heavy and unmistakable.
Liu San.
Qi Condensation. Ninth layer.
The air itself seemed to stiffen.
Lu Zhen's face changed instantly. "Senior Liu."
Liu San's eyes swept over the scene—the scattered herbs, the pale maid, Lu Haotian standing stiffly in front.
"Pick it up," Liu San said coldly.
Lu Zhen hesitated. "Senior—"
"I said, pick. It. Up."
Lu Zhen's face flushed, but he crouched and hurriedly gathered the herbs, stuffing them back into the bundle.
Liu San looked at him with open disdain. "Picking on someone weaker than you. Is that impressive?"
"No, Senior."
"Get lost."
Lu Zhen and his group left without another word.
Silence returned.
Lu Haotian bowed. "Thank you, Senior Liu."
Liu San grunted. "Don't thank me. Just don't cause trouble."
He glanced at the maid. "Get her home."
Then he turned and walked away.
Only after he was gone did Lu Haotian let out the breath he had been holding.
His maid tugged his sleeve. "Young master… are you okay?"
He nodded. "Let's go home."
As they walked, she stayed quiet for a long time.
Then she said softly, "When I get stronger… I won't hide behind you."
He looked at her, surprised.
She sniffed. "So practice more. I want that restaurant."
He smiled a little.
The bundle felt heavy on his back.
But he carried it all the same.